Metallica Star Gives Hope To Misfits

05/31/2011.

(Rock News Desk) Metallica frontman James Hetfield admits his high school years were "tough times" but his induction into the establishment's fall of fame proves misfits can make it.

The thrash icon returned to Downey High in California to attend the induction ceremony alongside three other former students, and told current pupils he'd been unhappy for much of the time he studied there.

"I hated my school – literally. I didn't fit in and I didn't want to. I hid as much as possible in my music and listening to music," Hetfield said. "I showed up in classes to get credits and things, just to make it through, but I really did not fell like I identified with anyone. So to be back here is completely surreal. It's testament to the people in the misfit category. They're able to apply themselves and achieve their dreams – just in a different way." more on this story